new build some questions

[ufkir]

Hi guys been more of an observer than a poster but need some answers if anyone can help so here it is.
i have picked up some work on a couple of new builds that were started before the recession the original sparks have went bust so im told any way i have been asked to finish the job but there are a couple things that concern me.
1 The meter box is outside on the wall and they have brought a split concentric in to the consumer unit > 3 metres
also it is not > 50mm below the surface can i fit an s type rcd from the meter to then feed a kmf.
2 The family bathroom has a 240 v fan cored through the wall in zone 1 above bath is there i think it about 2mtrs from floor but not if your standing in the bath is this okay i have a feeling that fans were okay as long as it was above a certain height in zone 1 thanks to all in advance

 

[MDJ]

Hi guys been more of an observer than a poster but need some answers if anyone can help so here it is.
i have picked up some work on a couple of new builds that were started before the recession the original sparks have went bust so im told any way i have been asked to finish the job but there are a couple things that concern me.
1 The meter box is outside on the wall and they have brought a split concentric in to the consumer unit > 3 metres
also it is not > 50mm below the surface can i fit an s type rcd from the meter to then feed a kmf.
2 The family bathroom has a 240 v fan cored through the wall in zone 1 above bath is there i think it about 2mtrs from floor but not if your standing in the bath is this okay i have a feeling that fans were okay as long as it was above a certain height in zone 1 thanks to all in advance

so 7 years ago at least then?

 

[ufkir]

yeah site shut down been bought by another developer

 

[alanl]

No problem with Low Voltage equipment being used in Zone 1, so long as it is designed for that use. 701.55

 

[Corpy76]

No problem with Low Voltage equipment being used in Zone 1, so long as it is designed for that use. 701.55

By low voltage you mean 230v?

 

[alanl]

BGB page 36

 

[ufkir]

hi alanl yeah i know its okay but i think there is a height it has to be above

 

[alanl]

Is it in Zone 1, or outside the zones?
Is it suitable for the environment it is used in?
What are the manufacturers guidelines?

Why do you think it has to be above a certain height?
I presume you mean so that it is outside Zone 1?
If so, there is no need if the equipment is suitable for the intended position.

Only you can answer these questions, so make an informed decision, based on your training, experience, and reference to BS7671, as to whether the equipment is in a suitable position.

 

[MDJ]

hi alanl yeah i know its okay but i think there is a height it has to be above

Have you ever heard of BS7671?

 

[Guest55]

so 7 years ago at least then?

and the most important fact concerning that statement is ??.............



yep , the original install would have been designed to 16th ed regs , but will now have to finished to 17th.

i'd be very reluctant to agree to finish work done to an old spec , all sorts of unexpected probs will crop up.
bathroom zones being 1 of them.

 

[ufkir]

hi alanl its in zone 1 yes its about 1.5 mtrs high on the wall if you stand in the bath i just thought it a bit on the low side thats all
any thoughts on the first point in my post as it will be this that gives me the most probs thanks for your help

 

[ufkir]

hi biff thanks for the reply yeah i know but the site has another 13 houses to be built and i need the work.

 

[MDJ]

and the most important fact concerning that statement is ??.............



yep , the original install would have been designed to 16th ed regs , but will now have to finished to 17th.

i'd be very reluctant to agree to finish work done to an old spec , all sorts of unexpected probs will crop up.
bathroom zones being 1 of them.

Yes very true, I got side tracked waiting for the OP to confirm he owns a regs book lol, good point Biff, very good point.

 

[jackhammerJIM]

yep , the original install would have been designed to 16th ed regs , but will now have to finished to 17th.

.

check with building control ...

took on a block of flats that were designed and started whilst 16th edition .

site closed for the recession

re opened in the 17th

flats were finished to the 16th edition design ...

was employed by a firm at the time so didnt get involved in technicalities

 

[Guest55]

check with building control ...

took on a block of flats that were designed and started whilst 16th edition .

site closed for the recession

re opened in the 17th

flats were finished to the 16th edition design ...

was employed by a firm at the time so didnt get involved in technicalities

this is true.
an extended cross over period was granted for the finishing off of 16th edition projects.

but if your local council doesnt want to play ball and the clerk of works is a knob then problems could arise.
some clever writing out of certificates will be needed to cover your arse at the very least.

the biggest concern for me is that split con submains buried in the walls , not a prob under 16th but a lbit of a liability now.

 

[jackhammerJIM]

hopefully the sensible answer will be to rip it out and start again .

how would you feel buying a brand new property with out dated electrics .

 

[Meggerman]

That Split con will have to come out if buried. S type RCD's wont help you as they are not 30ma. Replace with SWA and install switch fuse as over 3M from meter to CU.

 

[MDJ]

hopefully the sensible answer will be to rip it out and start again .

how would you feel buying a brand new property with out dated electrics .

Yep in 3 years it will be due a EICR lol

 

[telectrix]

agree with meggerman as to SWA and switch/fuse. then complete the job/s to comply with current regs.

 

[ufkir]

cheers meggerman,telectrix thank for all your help guys oh and mdj i have bgb just coudnt be arsed trawling through it,thanks again for all your help guys

 

[Sintra]

hi biff thanks for the reply yeah i know but the site has another 13 houses to be built and i need the work.

Personally if you are getting another 13 installations out of it take this one on the chin and bring it up to current standards.

Don't think you could use the designed to the 16th get out clause unless you can find the original designer to sign the cert.

 

[Andy78]

Personally if I was getting another 13 houses off the back of this, I could be arsed to get my BGB out.